The Hawks could be buoyed by the return of ruckman Ben McEvoy when they face the Saints on Saturday night.

McEvoy has been sidelined for five rounds since fracturing his cheekbone against the Western Bulldogs.

The 29-year-old was predicted to miss around five to six weeks after going in for surgery, and he looks set to return right on schedule. 

“He’s going really well,” Director of High Performance Andrew Russell said.

“He’s a test (and) he’s a really good chance to come back this week.” 

The Hawks may again be without Skipper Jarryd Roughead however, as he deals with an ankle issue that caused him to be a late withdrawal from Hawthorn’s Round 21 clash.

“He’s had some inflammation in that ankle and he didn’t quite get up last week,” Russell said.

“We probably think he’s going to miss one more week and be available for the Sydney game at this stage.”

Watch this week’s Bupa Recovery Report for updates on Brendan Whitecross, Will Langford, Grant Birchall and more.